Seed skin grafts for reconstruction of distal limb defects in 15 dogs

Abstract

Objectives To report the surgical technique of seed skin grafting and clinical application for reconstruction of wounds on the distal limb of client‐owned dogs. Materials and Methods Medical records from The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University were retrospectively reviewed for dogs requiring reconstruction using seed grafting for distal limb skin defects between January 2009 and May 2020. Results Fifteen dogs were included. Grafting was performed on distal limb wounds at or below the carpus or tarsus, following trauma (n = 12) or neoplasia excision (n = 3). Complete epithelialisation with minimal contracture was recorded at a median of 4 weeks (range 3 to 8 weeks) after implantation. Median follow‐up was 37 months (range 3 to 55 months) after grafting. Postoperative complications included epidermal inclusion cyst in two dogs. Good functional outcome with acceptable cosmesis despite sparse hair growth was achieved in all cases. Clinical Significance Seed grafting is a simple technique that can be used reliably to reconstruct wounds on the distal limb in dogs where other reconstructive techniques are not suitable. Complete epithelialisation with sparse hair growth, good long‐term functional outcome and minimal complications can be expected.

Sterile pyogranuloma syndrome in a dog successfully treated with immunosuppressive therapy and reconstructive seed grafting

“…Given the location and the relative size of the cutaneous defects in this case, the technique of seed grafting was considered a suitable option to achieve wound epithelialisation and resolution. The time to complete re‐epithelialisation in our case was consistent with the average time reported of approximately six weeks 5 . While new epithelium is, of course, devoid of adnexal structures, skin seed graft sites are reported to undergo partial hair regrowth 5 .…”

“…Seed skin graft reconstruction to repair distal limb cutaneous defects caused by trauma or excision of neoplasia has been reported previously in 15 dogs. A successful outcome was reported for all dogs 5 . Given the location and the relative size of the cutaneous defects in this case, the technique of seed grafting was considered a suitable option to achieve wound epithelialisation and resolution.…”

“…A successful outcome was reported for all dogs. 5 Given the location and the relative size of the cutaneous defects in this case, the technique of seed grafting was considered a suitable option to achieve wound epithelialisation and resolution. The time to complete reepithelialisation in our case was consistent with the average time reported of approximately six weeks.…”

“…The time to complete reepithelialisation in our case was consistent with the average time reported of approximately six weeks. 5 While new epithelium is, of course, devoid of adnexal structures, skin seed graft sites are reported to undergo partial hair regrowth. 5 Hair growth can be sporadic and arises from hair follicles in the seeds that survive the transplant process.…”

“…Seed grafting was performed as described recently 5 . Full‐thickness donor skin of approximately 4 cm 2 in area was harvested from the right lateral thorax, including the panniculus muscle.…”